There are differences between infrared heating and ordinary heating in terms of heating principle, heating efficiency, heating uniformity, penetration, equipment structure and cost. The following is a detailed introduction:
Heating principle
Infrared heating: Heat is transferred by infrared radiation energy. Infrared is an electromagnetic wave. When infrared rays are irradiated on an object, the object absorbs the energy of infrared rays, causing molecular vibration to intensify, thereby increasing the temperature of the object.
Ordinary heating: There are various methods. Common ones include resistance heating that generates heat by passing current through a resistance wire, such as electric heaters and electric furnaces; combustion heating that generates heat by burning fuel, such as gas water heaters and coal-fired boilers; and conduction heating that relies on heat transfer media to transfer heat from the heat source to the heated object, such as water bath heating.
Heating efficiency
Infrared heating: Infrared rays can directly penetrate the air, be absorbed by objects and converted into heat energy, without the need to transfer heat through a medium, so the heat loss is relatively small and the heating efficiency is high. It can effectively reduce energy consumption and usage costs.
Ordinary heating: During the heating process of resistance heating, the heat needs to be gradually transferred to the heated object through the medium (such as air) around the heating element. There is a certain amount of heat loss during the heat transfer process, and the heating efficiency is relatively low.
Heating uniformity
Infrared heating: Infrared radiation has good directionality and penetration, and can evenly irradiate the surface of the object, making the object more evenly heated. Especially when multiple infrared heating sources or special reflective devices are used, all-round and multi-angle heating of the object can be achieved, further improving the heating uniformity, which is conducive to improving product quality and production efficiency.
Ordinary heating: Due to the uneven distribution of heating elements and heat dissipation, resistance heating can easily lead to local overheating or insufficient heating of the heated object.
Penetration
Infrared heating: Infrared has a certain penetrating ability and can penetrate to a certain depth inside the object, so that the molecules inside the object can also absorb infrared energy and generate heat, achieving the effect of simultaneous heating inside and outside.
Ordinary heating: Ordinary heating methods mainly heat objects through surface heat transfer. For thick objects, it takes a long time for heat to transfer from the surface to the inside, and it is difficult to achieve fast and effective internal heating.
Equipment structure and cost
Infrared heating: Infrared heating equipment is usually composed of infrared heating tubes, reflective covers, power control systems, etc. It has a relatively simple structure, small size, and is easy to install.
Ordinary heating: Combustion heating equipment requires fuel supply systems, burners, combustion chambers and other components, which are large in size and require high installation and maintenance requirements. In addition, the operating cost of ordinary heating equipment is also high. For example, resistance heating consumes a lot of electricity, combustion heating requires continuous purchase of fuel, and the service life of the equipment is relatively short, requiring more frequent maintenance and replacement.
Safety
Infrared heating: Infrared heating is non-contact heating, with no open flames and no burning hazards, reducing fire hazards.
Ordinary heating: Combustion heating methods have open flames, which are prone to fire and explosion accidents, and are less safe. After long-term use of resistance heating equipment, the surface temperature of the heating element is high, and there is also a certain risk of scalding, and corresponding protective measures need to be taken.
